Qualifications for a Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgery is not one of those things that just anybody can do. Now don’t get us wrong, we’re not here to crush the dreams of aspiring neurosurgeons anywhere. Neurosurgeons are people too. They put their pants on one at a time, same as anybody else.

At the same time, though, it is specialized medicine. It’s not something you go to a general practitioner for. You don’t go to a pediatrician to get neurosurgery for your kids. You go to a pediatrician to get the recommendation to go to a neurosurgeon to check on that kind of thing.
It does sound a little bureaucratic, but the truth is, it’s medicine. It’s professionals wanting to make sure you’re taken care of the right way, hopefully. Recognizing their abilities and their limits and what they need to see you made well is all part of the job.

Every branch of medicine requires extensive training. Neurosurgery is no different.

To be a neurosurgeon requires a 4-year degree and acceptance into medical school. Medical school is another four years. After that, you apply for a neurosurgery residency. If you get accepted, you stick to that for another seven years. Depending on the program, you may be required to do another year or four of independent research.